Title: John Posey to Mathias Embry

Identifier: 1421-s1-b1-fa-i6   (https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/65911)

Description: A significant piece of correspondence from John Posey to his cousin Mathias Embry in which Posey expresses his perspective as a Black soldier serving his country and the satisfaction he feels from fighting for freedom. Posey writes: "Remember we are a nation that have been greatly oppressed . . . The white people said the colored people could not drill now we have proven it that we can drill as good as any other. . ." Posey also praises President Abraham Lincoln's efforts, encourages support of Lincoln, and shares news that he might be sent home soon. Posey (1842?-1864) was a 22-year-old Black farmer from Vincennes, Indiana who enlisted as a Private the newly formed, all-black 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, Company D and died in the Battle of Honey Hill November 30, 1864. Includes envelope and transcript.